Delicious Red Wine Desserts for the Ultimate Indulgence

Red wine is a fairly underrated alcohol when it comes to desserts, even though the delicious flavors and versatility lend themselves perfectly to many dishes. Here are a few of the best red wine desserts you should try. 

Red Wine Chocolate Cake

While many may think there are many ways to make a classic chocolate cake even better, they would be mistaken. Similar to coffee, red wine enhances the cocoa flavor in the cake, and unlike coffee, it adds a delicious layer of fruitiness. 

Add a couple of tablespoons of De Bortoli red wine to your batter, and top the cake off with a creamy ganache to create a delectable dessert that will leave you wanting way more than just one slice. 

Poached Pears

Pears poached in red wine are most likely the red wine dessert that most people know. It is simple to make, incredibly tasty, and is perfect for a dinner party, after Christmas lunch, or as a quick treat on its own. 

All you need to do is poach pears in red wine along with cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest until the pears are fork-tender. You can either serve them hot or cold, along with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or mascarpone. 

For a truly indulgent dessert, try pairing this dish with a bold, fruit-forward red wine like a Malbec or Shiraz. If you're unsure where to find the best wines for cooking or sipping, you can find a curated selection of high-quality red wines in an online retailer, to suit every palate and recipe.

Brownies

Similar to the chocolate cake, brownies also dramatically improve when you add a splash of red wine. These gooey delights get taken to the next level in no time, and the red wine adds a touch of sophistication that brownies typically don’t have. 

You can serve them with cream or ice cream, and you can go a step further by drizzling over a sweet red wine syrup for an extra layer of indulgence. 

Recipe for heavenly brownies

Brownies are a beloved dessert that can bring joy to any occasion. Their rich, fudgy texture combined with a slightly chewy edge makes them a favorite among chocolate lovers.

This recipe for heavenly brownies will guide you through the process of creating a decadent treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you are baking for a special event, a gathering, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these brownies are the perfect choice.

Ingredients Needed

To create these heavenly brownies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted

• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• A splash of red wine

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (90 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup (175 grams) chocolate chips (optional, for added richness)

Instructions for Preparation

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your heavenly brownies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the brownies will bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the brownies from sticking and make for easier removal once baked.

3. Melt the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Allow it to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.

4. Combine Sugar and Butter: Add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and mix well until combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.

5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Crack the eggs into the mixture one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Then, add the pure vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the brownies.

7. Fold in Chocolate Chips: If you choose to use chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this stage for an extra burst of chocolate flavor.

8. Pour into the Pan: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

10. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack. After they have cooled completely, cut them into squares and serve. Enjoy the heavenly taste of your freshly baked brownies!

Serving Suggestions

These heavenly brownies can be served on their own or with a variety of accompaniments. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or drizzling them with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also add a delightful finishing touch. No matter how you choose to serve them, these brownies are sure to be a hit!

Ice Cream

Red wine and ice cream may not seem like two things that would go together, but they pair surprisingly well, and can easily become your new favorite dessert. The recipe is even easier if you have an ice cream maker on hand. 

Add a few tablespoons to a cup of red wine to a typical ice cream custard, and blend until your desired result. Once again, you can top it off with a red wine syrup, or some sprinkles. It is also the perfect accompaniment to the brownies above.

Sorbet

If red wine ice cream works, then that means red wine sorbet is also something you can make and enjoy. You can take any red wine and blend it with sugar or honey, and a dash of lemon juice to create a delicious Summertime treat. 

One thing to note, like the ice cream, you aren’t cooking the red wine; therefore pay close attention to the sweetness of the dish to ensure you balance out the acidity of the red wine. 

Cheesecake

Another red wine dessert that may take you by surprise is cheesecake. This fan-favorite classic can be flavored in a multitude of ways, but red wine is arguably one of the best, and the one you should try. 

Similar to a strawberry cheesecake, a red wine reduction is swirled into the cheesecake before you cook or refrigerate it. The reduction will give you all the richness and floral notes you would expect, and adding a touch of sugar to the reduction will stop it from becoming too astringent. 

What to Remember When Cooking with Red Wine

Now that you know a few delicious red wine desserts, here are some tips to help you along your journey when cooking with red wine. 

Choose the Right Wine

This point applies to cooking with any alcohol, but also choose a red wine you would drink when cooking with it. Many people tend to go for a cheaper option when cooking as they feel like they won’t enjoy it as much, but this is a common mistake you should avoid. 

While this doesn’t mean you should cook with a super-expensive wine imported from France, it does mean choosing one that you would enjoy a glass of. 

Avoid Overpowering Flavors

Choose a wine that has a good combination of acidity, sweetness, and fruitiness, especially when using it in desserts. Some wines can become too acidic when reduced, and that acidity can become an unwanted, dominant flavor in your dish. 

Find Balance

Always try to balance the red wine you have chosen with the dish you are making. If the dish is a bit lighter and fresher, don’t opt for a deep, rich wine. Instead, find wines that have complimentary notes and flavors to what you are making. 

Reduce

When cooking with red wine, it is always best to reduce it first as this will concentrate the flavor, and get rid of the alcoholic flavor that can ruin a dish. There is no real need to do this if you are baking with the wine, but if you are using it in a sauce or something similar, it is recommended. 

Always Experiment 

Never forget that red wine is so much more than just alcohol; it has a deep, rich flavor with hints of fruit, florals, and spices. Because of this, it can be part of far more dishes than you may think, and experimentation is the only way you will find out what does and doesn’t work. 

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Our writers like to blog about interiors. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs. Download our free bathroom renovation guide here.